OT: fire escape replacement

[Midge]

A friend of mine has a flat where the sole access is an external uncovered staircase which I can best describe as a fire escape with timber cladding to the bottom and sides to make it look a bit better. It's been in place for over 30 years, and is now extensively corroded to the point it has got past any localised repairs and needs total replacement.

Looking to get some quotes in from specialist fabricators, but has anyone ever had work of this type done and have any idea of the order of magnitude of the cost, and what sort of building regs are applicable? The staircase itself isn't complex nor does it need to be decorative - it's a straight run across the back of the building comprising two 16 step sections and a landing section to break them up.

TIA, Midge.

[cj]

Hi Can be a can of worms if it traverses others property plus local authority regs vary .Other on group may post web sites for regs etc but the best course of action is to invite the local fire officer to view the route. Not only is his advise free but it is relevant to your situation and he will be able to give you contacts in the local authority who can tell you their requirements and if you heed his advise you will have no problem.

[Midge]

Interesting thoughts - thanks.

[Hugo Nebula]

Provided it's a like-for-like replacement, and the means of escape isn't affected, then Building Regulations wouldn't apply.

[AJH]

Your best bet is to speak to your council building control department. I designed a similar structure last year, bsically it will need to comply with the relevant Approved Doc ie verticals spaced 100mm crs,

1000mm min handrail height (900mm over nosings), max 42=BA pitch, structurally sound etc. Also speak to the steel fabricators as they will know all about what's involved but it sounds reasonably straightforward although there could be other factors such as access over other properties.

AJ

[Midge]

Thanks for the advice - she's had a reputable fabricator in to take a look at it, and it's looking like around £10K which wasn't as much as I was expecting. Full plans and costs expected next week.

Midge.

Your best bet is to speak to your council building control department. I designed a similar structure last year, bsically it will need to comply with the relevant Approved Doc ie verticals spaced 100mm crs,

1000mm min handrail height (900mm over nosings), max 42º pitch, structurally sound etc. Also speak to the steel fabricators as they will know all about what's involved but it sounds reasonably straightforward although there could be other factors such as access over other properties.

AJ

[Mr Pounder]

www.means-of-escape If I have typed it in wrongly just Google it.

Mr Pounder